The CRYOS Project - Studying Snow and Ice Dynamics

The EPFL-CRYOS project investigates how snow surface structures, like sastrugi, influence the albedo - the amount of solar radiation reflected by the ice. This affects the surface mass balance of the ice sheet, with wavier surfaces absorbing more energy and contributing to ice warming.

The team combines field photogrammetry, measuring standard square metres of snow, with instrument installations on the station’s tall mast, capturing detailed data on radiation and surface conditions. Field camps along the coast allow extended observations, while drone surveys provide a broader perspective of the terrain.

By linking snow surface patterns to albedo, CRYOS helps improve our understanding of ice sheet dynamics and Antarctic climate processes.